Clitoral Hood Reduction

Clitoral hood reduction is an elective procedure that serves to reduce the size and area of the clitoral hood to expose more of the clitoris itself. The goal of this procedure is to increase sexual pleasure and refine the aesthetic appearance of the vulva, thus increasing a woman’s overall sexual health.

The solitary function of the clitoris is to induce sexual pleasure. As the female equivalent to a man’s penis, the clitoris is covered by a hood (which is similar to a man’s foreskin). Occasionally this hood or tissue covering can be large, redundant (also called clitoral hypertrophy) and cause inability to achieve stimulation to the clitoris. The redundant tissue can also be uncomfortable while wearing a bathing suit or tight fitting clothing.

Women who need a clitoral hood reduction generally complain of lack of ability for stimulation of their clitoris. The hood covers the clitoris to the extent that adequate stimulation is difficult. These are intimate but important concerns which requires a discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon and determination to undergo the procedure.

The procedure to reduce the clitoral hood is a simple, outpatient procedure where the hood is surgically incised and the excess skin tissue is removed to allow for improved stimulation of the clitoris. Normally the procedure is performed using mild sedation and a local anesthetic. Patients thus are awake during the procedure and do not require a general anesthetic. After the procedure, most women complain of mild to moderate pain, treated adequately with pain medicine and topical anesthetic ointments.

Clitoral hood hypertrophy is often seen in women who also have labial hypertrophy, or excess labia minora where their tissue hangs down below their vulva. In these circumstances, reduction of the tissue covering the clitoris can be performed at the same time of labiaplasty if desired. The nerves that supply the clitoris are not involved in these procedures, and therefore there is no decrease in sensation or orgasm experienced.

In most cases, Clitoral Hood Reduction takes less than an hour.

Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 36 hours, many in less time. In every instance, you will feel no pain during the procedure. Ice packs are provided as well.

It is advised that there be no sexual activity for 4-6 weeks, to permit the area to properly heal. The results, however, are immediate.

· What kind of clitoral hood reduction complications can occur?

Complications are few and rare with this procedure. Some inflammation can occur because of irritation caused by sutures, or by separating the tissues. Infection is rare because you will be given antibiotics to take before the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

· How old do I have to be to have clitoral hood reduction surgery?

This procedure is not discriminatory. As long as your genital area has been fully developed, you can have this procedure done whether you are twenty or sixty years of age.